🔗 Share this article

The Tottenham defender scored on two occasions as Tottenham extended their winning streak on the road in the top division and delivered the Toffees their initial loss at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were undefeated in their last five matches at their recently opened stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, having departed their historic home behind after 133 years at the conclusion of the previous campaign.

But Tottenham's leader the Dutchman pounced on two occasions from set-pieces in the first half to place their impressive record at jeopardy, and they were unable to mount a comeback before Pape Matar Sarr - set up by former Toffees attacker Richarlison - headed home a third to put the game to bed.

Jake O'Brien believed he had levelled the tally a short while after the defender's first goal, directing a bullet header past Guglielmo Vicario from an Everton corner.

The Portuguese striker, meanwhile, missed a number of chances, while the Italian goalkeeper made a succession of excellent saves to ensure Tottenham went five away games without defeat in the Premier League.

But the video assistant referee intervened, instructing the match official to review the goal on the screen and the referee ruled that the winger and Iliman Ndiaye were in an illegal position and had interfered with the Spurs keeper.

This victory elevates Thomas Frank's team into third place in the division, five points off north London rivals and leaders the Gunners.

Everton remain in 14th position and are half a dozen points clear of the relegation zone.

Spurs breakdown: The defender excels in duties at each end of the field

After a drab weekday performance in the European competition against the French side, where they mustered a mere two shots on goal, the manager chose Randal Kolo Muani in attack instead of ex-Everton forward Richarlison.

The summer signing was unable to influence the game before being substituted for the substitute after 60 minutes on the field, but it emerged he wasn't needed in the final outcome.

Defender Van de Ven converted into an offensive threat to be feared.

Spurs' opening strike came from a well-worked set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball toward the six-yard box for an free the defender to head home.

And Ven de Ven - filling in as skipper in the Argentine's unavailability - added his second in added time as he rose above Jordan Pickford to head home.

The Dutchman was equally impressive in defence, combining effectively with Kevin Danso as the pair dealt superbly with the numerous deliveries sent their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees missing striker's instinct

The club's new home had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the novelty may have faded slightly and supporters flocked to the gates after Sarr's third for Tottenham.

The end in the team's unbeaten home run won't be a massive worry for David Moyes, but their striker situation are.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Everton's two established centre-forwards - had scored only a single goal between them before Sunday's match.

And they were unable to add to that miserable record on a damp and dreary evening on in Liverpool.

Beto's performance was epitomized when he chose to bicycle-kick a clear chance from near the goal, even with having room and opportunity to reposition for a more conventional attempt that would have tested Vicario.

The substitute, too, failed to make an impact after coming on for Beto in the 65th minute.

It was not for a lack of chance. Most of the home side's offensive moves came through Grealish and Ndiaye, who relentlessly delivered dangerous crosses into the Tottenham penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for both teams?

The Toffees: The team travel to Sunderland in the Premier League on early November at 20:00 GMT.

Spurs: The London club travel to St James' Park on late October for their next round Carabao Cup match against Newcastle.